List of Nigerian Universities Not Under ASUU

Universities Not Under ASUU: The Universities in Nigeria that are not under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is mainly because they are either private institutions or state universities that operate independently from the federal government payroll system, which ASUU primarily negotiates with. Private universities do not join ASUU because they manage their own staff welfare and funding without relying on government intervention, meaning their academic staff have no reason to be part of the union or participate in ASUU strikes.

Some state universities are also not under ASUU due to the unique governance structures and local arrangements that limit ASUU’s influence or presence. Additionally, universities not under ASUU might have their own staff unions or prefer to avoid the disruptions caused by strikes. This autonomy from ASUU allows these universities to maintain more continuous academic calendars without being affected by nationwide industrial actions or union negotiations between ASUU and the federal government.

Given the challenging around the Nigerian educational system, it comes as no surprise that one of the crucial steps most postsecondary students take whilst seeking admission is the identification of institutions not affiliated with ASUU. This is the reason this research provides information about the Universities that are not under ASUU in Nigeria.

What is the Full Meaning of ASUU?

The full meaning of ASUU is  “Academic Staff Union of Universities,” it is the Nigerian union of university academic staff, founded in 1978. The Union was active in struggles against the military regime during the 1980s. In 1988 the union organized a National Strike to obtain fair wages and university autonomy. As a result, the ASUU was proscribed on 7 August 1988 and all its property seized. It was allowed to resume in 1990, but after another strike was again banned on 23 August 1992.

However, an agreement was reached on 3 September 1992 that met several of the union’s demands including the right of workers to collective bargaining. The ASUU organized further strikes in 1994 and 1996, protesting against the dismissal of staff by the Sani Abacha military regime.

• Headquarters location: Ibadan
• Founded: 1978
• Affiliation: Nigeria Labour Congress
• Type of business: Trade union

The list of the Federal, State and Private Universities that are not under ASUU here are  are subject to the same oversight, regulation and accreditation, which means you will be getting the same quality education regardless of whether you opt for a federal-funded university or a state funded university or a private institution.

List of Universities that are Not Under ASUU

Universities not under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria are generally private institutions or some state universities whose academic staff do not participate in ASUU industrial actions. No federal university is currently outside the ASUU framework, as all federal universities are members of ASUU. However, several private universities, such as Covenant University, Babcock University, Afe Babalola University, and Redeemer’s University, operate independently of ASUU, ensuring stable academic calendars without strike interruptions. Some state universities as noted earlier, including Anambra State University, Rivers State University, and Abia State University, are also noted for not being under ASUU, often because they either have different staff unions or reduced ASUU influence. These non-ASUU universities tend to avoid nationwide strike disruptions, providing more consistent academic scheduling.

The Private universities in Nigeria excel in providing high-quality teaching and research, outstanding graduate outcomes, modern facilities, and a positive student experience. Whether you are considering undergraduate or postgraduate study as a Nigerian or international student,  they offers you the best education and institutions to study in Nigeria. With a total of 147 private universities listed on the NUC website, all the Private universities are not under ASUU strike. This means, 147 universities are not under ASUU strike in Nigeria. Here are the list of universities that are not under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria. They include:

• Achievers University, Owo 
• Adeleke University, Ede
• Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State 
• African University of Science & Technology, Abuja 
• Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan 
• Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin 
•  Al-Qalam University, Katsina 
• American University of Nigeria, Yola 
• Augustine University 
• Babcock University,Ilishan-Remo
• Baze University 
• Bells University of Technology, Otta 
• Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
• Bingham University, New Karu 
• Bowen University, Iwo
• Caleb University, Lagos 
• Caritas University, Enugu
• Chrisland University 
• Covenant University Ota 
• Crawford University Igbesa
• Crescent University 
• Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo 
• Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin 
• Evangel University, Akaeze 
• Fountain Unveristy, Oshogbo
• Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State 
• Gregory University, Uturu
• Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun
• Hezekiah University, Umudi
• Igbinedion University Okada
• Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji 
• Kings University, Ode Omu 
• Kwararafa University, Wukari 
• Landmark University, Omu-Aran 
•  Lead City University, Ibadan
• Madonna University, Okija 
• Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo
• Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University 
• Mountain Top University 
• Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
• Novena University, Ogume 
• Obong University, Obong Ntak 
• Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State
• Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos 
• Paul University, Awka – Anambra State
• Redeemer’s University, Ede 
• Renaissance University, Enugu 
• Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State 
• Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom
• Salem University, Lokoja 
• Westland University Iwo, Osun State
• Trinity University Ogun State 
• Dominion University Ibadan, Oyo State 
• Greenfield University, Kaduna 
• Skyline University, Kano 
• Atiba University Oyo 
• PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Portharcourt 
• Precious Cornerstone University, Oyo 
• Spiritan University, Nneochi Abia State 
• Admiralty University, Ibusa Delta State 

Why Universities are Under ASUU

Universities in Nigeria are under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) because ASUU serves as a collective voice for academic staff to negotiate for better funding, improved working conditions, and quality standards in Nigerian higher education.

ASUU advocates for adequate government allocation to universities, aiming to ensure they have the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and resources for effective teaching and research. The union also seeks to protect the welfare of academic staff, including fair salaries, benefits, and professional development opportunities. Beyond welfare, ASUU pursues the advancement of university education and the socio-economic transformation of Nigeria by pushing for policies that enhance academic standards and university autonomy.

Universities fall under ASUU to collectively address challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and delayed salaries through organized industrial actions like strikes, which, despite their disruptions, have historically pressured the government to commit to the development of Nigeria’s university system.

Read: State Universities In Nigeria & School Fees Rate

Federal Universities Not Under ASUU In Nigeria

It’s important to highlight the universities that aren’t under the umbrella of ASUU, and vice versa; thus, both exist. For the most part, a vast majority of private institutions aren’t under ASUU since they do not rely on the government for payroll or other forms of financial aid. So there is no logical reason for them to be a part of ASUU or participate in any of their strikes. On the other hand, though, ASUU is affiliated with certain state universities as well as practically all government-owned universities in Nigeria.

As of 2025, there are essentially no federal universities in Nigeria that are completely outside the umbrella of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). While some specific federal universities like the University of Ilorin and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka have been noted for not joining or minimally participating in ASUU strikes, these institutions are still formally under ASUU. In contrast, most federal universities are members of ASUU and participate in its industrial actions.

ASUU represents academic staff in virtually all federal universities because these universities rely on government funding and payroll systems, which ASUU negotiates for. Therefore, it is rare to find a federally funded university in Nigeria not under ASUU’s influence. On the other hand, some state and private universities do not belong to ASUU due to different funding structures and independence from federal government payroll policies. However, for federal universities specifically, complete separation from ASUU is generally not observed.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Ilorin are the only federal universities in Nigeria that have been noted for not joining ASUU strike in Nigeria but the question is, are these universities completely outside the umbrella of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)? NO! They are not completely outside the umbrella of ASUU.

YES! UNILORIN –University of Ilorin is not under ASUU strike. But speculation has it that Unilorin returned to ASUU strike after 19 years of staying out of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has a chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). However, the relationship between UNILORIN and ASUU has seen fluctuations, including periods of abstention from nationwide strikes. For example, in July 2025, the UNILORIN ASUU chapter chose not to join the national ASUU strike because their members had received their salaries on time, even though the national body declared a strike for delayed payments.

Historically, UNILORIN has been part of ASUU despite some internal conflicts and disputes with university authorities over the years. This indicates that UNILORIN is generally under ASUU, but the local chapter exercises some autonomy in decisions like strike participation based on its members’ circumstances.

2. Is University of Nigeria, Nsukka Not Under ASUU?

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The ASUU chapter at UNN actively participates in national ASUU activities, including protests and strikes. Recently, the UNN ASUU chapter has expressed readiness to join nationwide strike actions if the Federal Government fails to meet their demands, particularly regarding unpaid salaries and unfulfilled agreements. This demonstrates that UNN is significantly under ASUU, with its academic staff unionized and engaged in ASUU’s collective bargaining and industrial actions.

State Universities that are not Under ASUU

Several state universities in Nigeria are not under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), meaning their academic staff do not participate in ASUU strikes or industrial actions, allowing academic activities to continue uninterrupted during national ASUU strikes. These universities tend to maintain independence from ASUU due to local state government control or alternative staff union arrangements. Notable examples of such state universities include Lagos State University (LASU), Rivers State University, Anambra State University, Ekiti State University, Osun State University, and Abia State University. These institutions have often opted out of nationwide ASUU strikes for various reasons such as proactive government engagement or different union expressions. As a result, they can sustain academic calendars despite ASUU strike disruptions affecting other federal and state universities. These universities are:

1. Anambra State University 
2. Lagos State University 
3. Osun State University 
4. Abia State University 
5. Ekiti State University 
6. Rivers State University 
7. Delta State University 

Delta State University Abraka Under ASUU?

It has been earlier noted that Delta State University, Abraka doesn’t embark on ASUU strike. Delta State University was said not to be under ASUU.

Note that Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) is now under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Although it is a state-owned university, DELSU has an active ASUU branch representing its academic staff. The DELSU ASUU group engages in union activities, including advocacy for members’ welfare and has participated in nationwide ASUU strike actions. Recent reports indicate that DELSU ASUU, like other ASUU branches, has staged protests and prepared to join national industrial actions to push for the implementation of agreements with the government. Therefore, despite being a state university, DELSU is affiliated with and operates under ASUU’s umbrella concerning academic staff representation and strike participation.

Read Also: Polytechnics Not Under ASUU In Nigeria

When ASUU Call Off Strike?

It was recently announced that  ASUU has called off  the long strike that has grounded academic activities in the public universities. The union was said to have take this decision after it agreed to accept government’s total payment of N70 billion.

The was disclosed by ASUU via its Twitter handle on Friday after its meeting with the Federal Government’s team led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige. It tweeted, “The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has shifted ground on FG’s offer. The Union insisted that payment of outstanding salaries must not be done as through the IPPIS platform as promised, if strike would be suspended.”

Therefore we can deduced that ASUU will acted on their decision to call off strike after the FG meet their demand by paying the agreed money. As soon as the payment is made ASUU will call off strike.

Read Also: List Of Accredited Private Universities In Nigeria

What is the Cause of ASUU Strike in Nigerian Universities?

Universities Strikes arise for a number of reasons, though principally in response to poor learning conditions (defined as ASUU strike and meant to improve lecturers wages and students benefits. Universities strike in Nigeria are embark by lecturers to demanding a review of their conditions of service including the platform the government uses to pay their earnings, improved funding for the universities and payment of their salaries withheld.